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Fall Whale Expeditions
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A pre-migratory Alaska Whales in Fall odyssey…
Join us for a unique and remarkable Alaska Whales in Fall photography adventure. An exceptional setting within the protected waters of a single bay on Alaska’s Admiralty Island National Monument, beautiful late season low angle sunlight, wintry mountain backdrops, and an amazing gathering of humpback whales all combine to create an opportunity to witness a rare wildlife spectacle! Alaska is a place of many wonders year round. Each season brings new surprises. Just as spring marks the arrival of a new season with the return of migrating wildlife, fall and early winter witness the departure of those species as they move to winter ranges around the globe. One of the remarkable migrating animals that we enjoy observing for so much of the summer has a very interesting, little understood ritual prior to their departure. The nutrient rich channels of Southeast Alaska are the summer home of one of the largest concentrations of humpback whales found anywhere. The humpbacks arrive to Southeast Alaska in spring, with recent observations and studies finding that many make their final departure in December and January for their winter breeding and calving range among the Hawaiian Islands. Our fall whale expeditions are to a beautiful, secluded bay on Admiralty Island National Monument. The destination is a pre-migratory staging area where 100 to 200 humpback whales gather in late fall prior to their departure to Hawaii. The event presents an amazing phenomenon to witness over 100 whales concentrated within a small portion of a single bay in fall!
Limited to only four to six participants, this adventure is a rare opportunity for nature photographers, whale enthusiasts and anyone that appreciates the wonders of nature. As the season progresses to the winter solstice, the sun nears its lowest declination, casting a transcending illumination on a ‘forest of whale spouts.’ The magic shooting hour can last all day, as this remarkable concentration of whales passively feed on an ultra rich abundance of krill. Tall plumes of whale spouts rise high one after another to hang gloriously backlit in the cold still air. Then the namesake back arching roll as the group begins individually fluking up for the next deep dive into the rich layer of krill lying a hundred feet or more below the surface. It’s the season’s final feast for these giants to pile on blubber. When they leave Alaska, they will fast until returning in spring. You don’t have to be a photographer to appreciate and enjoy this incredible adventure! Our first two 2007 Alaska Whales in Fallexpeditions are scheduled to allow guests the option of attending Sitka WhaleFest November 2nd – 4th. Sitka WhaleQuest is a unique event that provides participants with an additional opportunity to learn about the most recent studies on Alaska humpback whales and other marine mammals. A select combination of biologist, researchers and enthusiasts from various locations gather in Sitka to share and exchange information in a celebration of whales. To learn more about Sitka WhaleFest visit: http://www.sitkawhalefest.org
Weather information The area where we find this spectacular concentration of whales is within a bay along Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. Stronger winds and cooler temps are more the norm at this time of year. Wind can at times blow into the bay and the water can become choppy or even rough, in which case we are limited to areas of calmer water until the wind changes or lays down. Safety is Alaska Sea Adventures first and foremost rule of operation. The Alaska Adventurer is a commercial grade vessel designed for cruising year-round on Alaska waters. It’s a safe vessel equipped with the latest safety gear beyond requirements. Captain Dennis has over 35 years of safely navigating commercial vessels in these waters during all months of the year. During transit to and from our destination there is more exposure to wind in the open channels which can cause us delays. It’s definitely an adventure and definitely not for everyone. If you have a tendency to be prone to motion sickness, it may be advisable to avoid joining this adventure and try one of our summer whale excursions, which are no less enthralling. Alaska Sea Adventures will not jeopardize the safety of those on board and will strive to maintain the utmost comfort for everyone. Commercial transportation to and from Southeast Alaska during fall and winter can be delayed because of weather. Please email or call for additional details and information!
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Copyright 1996-2007 Island Voyages, Inc. and Natures-Spirit Photography, reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is strictly prohibited and a violation of law. Alaska Sea Adventures operates under Special Use Permit from the USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest. |